McGinniss Goes to Extremes

We conservatives have often used the appellation “deranged syndrome” to describe, accurately, the far left’s hatred and vitriol on steroids toward President George W. Bush and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, among others. Well, an author who once upon a time had a modicum of respectability has developed the most virulent case of PDS seen thus far—and that’s going some.

Joe McGinniss has authored some fairly noteworthy books, including the journalist’s “immersion” tome Fatal Vision about the Green Beret army doctor who was convicted of murdering his family; Blind Faith about a civic leader and family man who led a double life that led to murdering his wife; and Going to Extremes about the author’s experiences living in various locales in Alaska.

In writing his just-released “Rogue” about Sarah Palin, McGinniss adopted the “immersion” approach again as he did with Green Beret Captain Jeffrey MacDonald—except that this time he didn’t speak to his subject. Instead, he moved next door to the Palin family in Wasilla, Alaska. He was essentially a volunteer operations researcher for the Obama administration; digging dirt at the most opportune time, as Governor Palin is sitting on the fence trying to decide her political future. Unfortunately for McGinniss, even the ultra-liberal New York Times has slammed his new book.

According to the Times’ critique, ‘Mr. McGinniss used his time in Alaska to chase caustic, unsubstantiated gossip about the Palins, often from unnamed sources like “one resident” and “a friend.”’ Sounds like the same “residents” and “friends” that cooperated with leftists bent on harassing then-Governor Palin with a cascade of bogus lawsuits. This is an important point with broader implications than a vitriolic author’s ambitions to bring down a political figure.

Think about when Sarah Palin first came on the public scene in 2008. She had an over 80 percent favorability rating in Alaska; she had fought the corruption of crony capitalists and politicians in her home state, those on both sides of the aisle and won; and she was clearly a rising star even if she did reside in distant, forgettable, sparsely populated Alaska. One thing we forget at our peril about Alaska is its strategic importance—not just because of its oil and other natural resources, but its location buffering the rest of North America from the Russian bear. For this reason the military has a significant presence in Alaska. The governor of Alaska really has little choice, short of burying his or her head in the sand, but to know a thing or two about national security matters.

Starting from almost the moment she was nominated as the Republican vice-presidential running mate for John McCain, Palin had a huge target painted on her back, and the arrows have come fast and furious ever since. A liberal cabal working in Alaska essentially chased Palin out of office with a slew of specious legal actions designed to destroy her politically, hampering her effectiveness as governor only as an unfortunate by-product. But that wasn’t enough. As long as Palin remains a viable and potential candidate for high office, she is a threat to the liberal cause—perhaps the biggest threat given the nature and shape of the current Republican field. Whether McGinniss was operating solo or as part of a coordinated effort really doesn’t matter—the left, led by those with the biggest cases of PDS, for instance Gary Trudeau of Doonesbury infamy, will carry his water even in the face of nominal criticism by the NY Times. The objective is the destruction of whatever may be left of Palin’s political career, and they will stop at nothing—up to and including assassination if they could get away with it—to make that happen.

Until this shameful book came out, I wasn’t really too hot about Sarah Palin running, buying the line that she simply has too many negatives. Now, however, I hope she does. Make no mistake, in today’s climate she can beat Obama if she runs as she should, as an unabashed conservative. And the reaction of the left on Election Night will make the last few nightmarish years of Obama almost worth it.